City
Epaper

S.African President hits back in corruption row

By IANS | Published: July 22, 2019 3:56 AM

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said he is mounting a legal challenge against an official report that concluded he had deliberately misled parliament over a campaign donation.

Open in App

He said the report by the country's corruption watchdog was "fundamentally and irretrievably flawed", the BBC reported on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters, he also said it was appropriate for courts to make an impartial judgment on the matter.

Ramaphosa's supporters say the allegations are politically motivated.

The report by Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane was released on Friday. It accused President Ramaphosa of misleading parliament, it suggested that he had potentially committed a money laundering offence.

Last year, Ramaphosa told parliament that he had not received election campaign donations from a controversial company during his bid to lead the ANC.

It later emerged that was not true. Ramaphosa apologised, and said he had been misinformed.

The allegations against the President are seen by many as a battle for control of the ANC, and South Africa itself.

Party factions have become more entrenched since President Jacob Zuma, 77, was forced to resign in February 2018 amid widespread allegations of corruption, which he denies.

He was replaced by his then-deputy, Ramaphosa, who promised to tackle corruption and described Zuma's nine years in office as "wasted".

Critics of Mkhwebane say she has become a participant in a fight-back by allies of former President Zuma.

The battles are likely to play out in South Africa's courts, which have remained largely independent.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: RamaphosaANCSouth AfricaJacob Zumabbc
Open in App

Related Stories

CricketT20 World Cup Squad 2024: Complete List of Teams Announced So Far

InternationalSouth Africa Bus Accident: 45 Killed, One Child Survives After Vehicle Plunges Off Bridge in Limpopo

CricketKeshav Maharaj Seeks Blessings at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya After Joining LSG Camp Ahead of IPL 2024 (See Pic)

CricketIND vs SA U-19 World Cup Semi-Final: India Wins Toss, Elects to Field Against South Africa

CricketNZ vs SA: Kane Williamson Achieves Career Milestone with 31st Test Ton (Watch Video)

International Realted Stories

InternationalAfghanistan: Rains, floods claim 14 lives, cause widespread destruction

InternationalIsraeli army says Kerem Shalom crossing closed to aid convoys after rocket strikes from Gaza

InternationalPolice seize Al Jazeera's broadcasting equipments as news network close its operation in Israel

InternationalPakistan: KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi vows to bring tensions with Centre down

InternationalAfghan migrants deported from Pakistan, Iran criticises mistreatment